In this article we explore the topic, ‘what is fostering?’
Are you curious about foster care?
Maybe you know a friend, relative or acquaintance who is a foster carer and this has sparked your curiosity to learn more.
A similarity that carers have in common is their passion to make a difference in a child’s life. If you can provide a safe, supportive and nurturing home environment, you may have what it takes to make a meaningful difference to a child in need. Foster caring could be one of the most rewarding experiences for you.
It’s often the little things that we take for granted, like celebrating sporting achievements, school and birthdays, that mean so much more to children in care. For some young people in care, they haven’t experienced recognition or encouragement in a long time. By being able to give these children these opportunities, it can go a long way for them and allow them to thrive.
In this article, we explore the role of foster and kinship carers and the types of care that may be suitable to you and your lifestyle.
What is a foster parent?
Foster care is a way of providing a family life for young people who aren’t able to live at home with their birth parents. This happens for a variety of different reasons. These reasons can include some form of abuse, neglect, or they may be at risk of experiencing harm.
Did you know that there are close to 12,000 children and young people in out of home care in Queensland, many of whom are in need of carers?
When children come into care, they need a safe and stable home environment where they can be themselves and thrive. It’s a commonly held belief that foster children might have complex needs and challenging behaviour. For some children this can be true, but if you’re committed to caring for young people, despite their experiences or challenges, Anglicare Southern Queensland is focused on supporting you and the child to build a trusting, supportive and caring relationship with our ongoing support and resources.
There are many ways that Anglicare Southern Queensland can support you to help a foster child adjust to their new arrangement and flourish in their new home. This includes community activities and initiatives, personalised support and regular check-ins with your Practitioner.
The main goal in foster care is to reunite children with their biological parents and/or extended families. Only when it’s safe and practical to do so. Carers play a huge role in achieving this goal. They do this by committing to maintaining a relationship between the child/ren and their biological families.
What’s the difference between foster care and kinship care?
The Department of Child Safety are responsible for approving foster carers. Carers welcome foster children into their homes, where they may stay for a short break (respite) care or for longer term placements. A foster child or young person is not biologically related to the foster carer.
Kinship carers are also approved by the Department of Child Safety. They provide care for children and young people who may be biologically related. Kinship carers can also be a close family friend, or a member of a young person’s community.
Whether you’re becoming a foster or kinship carer with Anglicare, we provide you with training, resources and connections. Regardless of what kind of care you’re going to provide for a young person in need.
Who are these children in care?
Children who come into foster and kinship care may have experienced abuse or neglect. They may also have parents who’ve been incarcerated or aren’t able to care for a child at any point of time, or they may be at risk of harm.
They may come by themselves or with siblings, have different cultural or religious backgrounds, or have special needs.
Foster children may be in care up until the age of 21. Click here to learn more about the Home Stretch campaign.
Although children in care come from many places in Queensland, they’re generally placed in their own community if this is possible. When children are placed in their own communities, they feel more comfortable and can cope more effectively with life’s challenges, where there is consistency.
What types of care can I consider?
There are many types of foster care options available. You may choose to be a short-term (respite) carer, emergency carer or full-time carer, depending on your lifestyle and family. We can work with you to determine what would work best for you. In addition to the child’s needs, new carers should consider the needs of their own families in the decision-making process. As part of the foster care program, you may also be eligible for financial support. For more information on what financial support is given to foster carers, click here.
Types of out of home care for children include:
Emergency care is a form of care that may happen at short notice. It happens children or young people urgently need a place to stay. If children are suddenly removed from their homes, they may arrive with only the clothes they were wearing at the point of their removal. Emergency carers often have the skills to deal with abuse and trauma situations. Children may only stay temporarily while they wait for a foster family to be placed with longer-term. Read more about how carers can prepare for a new placement, here.
Respite carers support full-time (primary) carers by giving them a break. They may have the children for a weekend or for a few weeks, such as during school holidays.
Short-term carers provide full-time care for children. This can be for a few weeks up to two years; while other long-term plans are being finalised.
Long-term placements are for children who, for extended periods, are unable to return to live with their families. Long-term foster carers offer a secure and nurturing environment where children can thrive and feel at ease in their new home. These placements can extend until the age of 21, marking the transition into adulthood.
Nevertheless, recognising the significance of familial ties, children may be reintegrated with their family members at any point in their lives.
Family connection is important where it’s safe do so, children can be reintegrated with their family members at any point of their lives.
For more information on foster care including inspiring foster carer stories, download our Foster Care Information Kit.